Tigard School Bus Driver Arrested For Sex Crimes

posted by Anna Erickson -

Feb 27, 2018

A school bus driver has been arrested for multiple sex crimes in Washington County.

In late January, Washington County Sheriff's Office detectives say they began investigating a report that 32-year-old Kenneth Garcia, from Aloha, had been sexually abusing two young girls over the course of several years.

During the investigation, detectives learned that Garcia was a school bus driver employed by Student Transporation of America in Tigard. His bus route included Durham Elementary and Hazelbrook Middle Schools in the Tigard-Tualatin School District. Garcia's employer suspended him without pay when they learned of the investigation.

On February 23, 2018, Garcia was taken into custody on an arrest warrant. He's being held at the Washington County Jail charged with three counts of Sodomy in the first degree, Unlawful Sexual Penetration in the in the first degree, two counts of Sexual Abuse in the first degree, three counts of Sexual Abuse in the second degree, two counts of Sexual abuse in the third degree and Luring a Minor.

Garcia's bail has been set at $2,250,000.

Investigators say at this time, there is no reason to believe that Garcia had inappropriate contact with any students on his bus routes. Detectives would like to hear from any potential victims or from anyone with information in this case by calling 503-846-2500.